The most recent P2P (Payroll to Population) report by Gallup confirmed that MENA unemployment rate is among the highest in 2012. According to Gallup its rate in 2012 reached 19%, although regional sources report nearly double figures.
Disturbing is also the number of underemployed individuals in the Middle East and North Africa region. In 2012, it was estimated at 28%. Another 9% are working at a part-time job. However, they are also searching for full-time positions.
Gallup’s report points that last year the P2P rate in the region was 18%. This rate examines the number of adult people who are employed on full-time basis. The P2P rate in other countries and regions for 2012 was much higher than that recorded in MENA. For instance, in the Southeast Asia it reached 21%, while in the European Union and the United States it hit 33% and 42%, respectively.
According to the report, there is a simple reason behind this negative trend in the Middle East and North Africa. From Gallup insiders state that the region has the greatest number of people who are not taking part in the workforce. They are estimated at 56%, which is the highest in the world. That is because the majority of women in MENA do not work. Another large unemployed group of citizens in the Middle East and North Africa are the young. This is further highlighting the difficulties they face in the region.
Unemployment among young people is a widely spread issue in MENA. Its rate additionally increased and will continue to increase during the Arab Spring. According to IMF (the International Monetary Fund), youth unemployment in Saudi Arabia amounts to 30%. The number of unemployed women in the country is estimated to be higher at 35%.
Although education needs to be improved in the entire MENA region, each country has its own specific problems that affect employment rate, as well as the future prospects for creation of new jobs.
On a global level, lowest is the unemployment rate in East Asia and Europe.
 report by Gallup confirmed that MENA unemployment rate is among the highest in 2012.){kind=link}